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PODCAST

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next

Life doesn’t come with a roadmap. We’re all figuring it out as we go.I’m Judy Oskam, and on Stories of Change, I talk with people about the changes and unexpected turns that have shaped their lives—and what they’ve learned along the way.Sometimes change is a choice. Sometimes it isn’t. I’m curious about how people find their way through it. What helped? What did they learn?Maybe you’re navigating a career change, moving through a life transition, or wondering what you want your next chapter to look

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29:34

How Hair Loss Led Kelly Engram to a New Purpose | Encore

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/10/05

Sometimes the thing we struggle with can lead us somewhere we never expected. In this encore episode of Stories of Change, I’m revisiting my conversation with Kelly Engram, founder of Prairie Fire Hair. Kelly had done a lot of different things in her life, but she never felt like she had found her passion. Then she began losing her hair. Hair loss affected Kelly’s confidence and the way she saw herself. She tried wearing a wig, but at first she felt uncomfortable. She was convinced ever...

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23:39

When Plan A Doesn't Work: Sara McDaniel on Starting...

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/09/26

What happens when the life you planned doesn’t happen? Sara McDaniel knows what it means to start over. After infertility and a devastating divorce changed the future she had imagined, she eventually moved home to Louisiana and began rebuilding her life. Along the way, she pursued a neglected 1926 cottage that wasn’t even for sale. Restoring that house became part of her own healing — and helped lead her toward a completely different life and career. Today, Sara is the creative force behind S...

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19:54

Coming Home: Amy Denet Deal on Navajo Identity,...

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/09/14

What does it mean to come home—to a place, a culture, or even to yourself? In this encore episode of Stories of Change, I revisit my conversation with Navajo designer and entrepreneur Amy Denet Deal. Amy was adopted as a child and grew up in Indiana, far from her Navajo culture. After a successful career in the fashion industry and with her daughter heading off to college, Amy found herself asking a familiar question: What’s next? Her answer was to sell what she had in California and move to ...

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19:13

How Wendy Conklin Became a Creative Entrepreneur:...

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/08/30

What does it take to leave a secure career, start a creative business and bet on yourself? Wendy Conklin was a successful teacher, writer and educational consultant. Then an upholstery class sparked a new creative interest. That small experiment eventually became Chair Whimsy. In this encore episode, Wendy shares how she became a creative entrepreneur and what gave her the courage to leave her established career. Making a midlife career change to pursue a creative business full time req...

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28:00

How do you keep going when life changes everything?...

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/08/23

Life doesn’t come with a roadmap. And sometimes change comes whether we’re ready for it or not. Linda Fogg-Phillips, M.S., is a behavior-change expert, author, and co-founder of the Tiny Habits Academy, where she works alongside her brother, Dr. BJ Fogg, creator of the Tiny Habits method. But Linda’s understanding of change isn’t just professional. It’s deeply personal. In this encore episode of Stories of Change, Linda shares how she learned to navigate those changes and find a way forward—o...

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12:48

Stay Curious and Find Your Next Career Opportunity |...

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/08/12

What if you don’t know exactly what comes next? Maybe that’s okay. Jane Scott didn’t follow a carefully planned career path. She stayed curious. She kept learning. And she paid attention when new opportunities came her way. Jane is Director of Marketing Communications at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Her career has taken her from publishing to teaching English in Japan, marketing, communications and higher education leadership. In our conversation, Jane talks about the exp...

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13:09

How Studying Abroad in Scotland Builds Confidence

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/07/27

What if one trip could help you discover what you’re capable of? Three Texas State University students traveled to Scotland for a three-week education abroad program at Queen Margaret University. They arrived without knowing one another or exactly what to expect. In this episode, I pass the microphone to three Texas State University students studying in Scotland. Libby Sanchez, Sarah Hervey, and Kinbe Perez share what they are learning—not only in class, but about themselves. Libby, Sarah, a...

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33:42

The Experience That Changed Her Life | Laura Stevenson

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/07/20

At 20 years old, Queen Margaret University student Laura Stevenson traveled from Scotland to Martha's Vineyard for a six-month study abroad internship. At the time, it felt like nothing more than a graduation requirement. She had no idea she was living through a defining moment. In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, Laura reflects on the experience that changed her life. And she didn't recognize it until years later. Together, we explore how defining moments somet...

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15:33

Can a Restaurant Bring People Together? Bella Italia,...

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/06/23

What happens when a restaurant encourages people to put away their phones and simply talk to each other? At Bella Italia in North Berwick, Scotland, a simple sign on the door reads: "We do not have Wi-Fi. Talk to each other. Pretend it's 1995." That sign caught my attention while I was teaching at Queen Margaret University in Scotland. But it was what happened inside the restaurant that stayed with me. In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, I talk with Loredana (Lo...

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25:21

What Shapes a Creative Career? Emma Cross on Design...

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/06/22

Scottish interior designer and entrepreneur Emma Cross shares how childhood experiences, creativity, travel, and a willingness to say yes shaped her life and career. Emma Cross knew she wanted to be a designer when she was five years old. In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, I sit down with Emma Cross, a Scottish interior designer and entrepreneur, to explore the experiences that shaped her life and career. I first discovered Emma's shop while exploring North Berwick, Scotla...

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46:41

How a Personal Struggle Led Kelly Engram to a New...

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/06/16

What experiences shape who we become? In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, Judy Oskam talks with Kelly Engram, educator, Texas State University graduate, and founder of Prairie Fire Hair. Kelly's journey has been full of challenges and turning points. As a young single mother, she was busy working and raising her son. Kelly started college but life got in the way. She returned and finished school years later, earning both a Bachelor's and Master's degree....

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8:52

Graduation Reflections: Stories About Student Success...

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/05/23

Graduation season always makes me reflective. In this first short solo episode from my new Making Life Work series, I share some thoughts from commencement weekend at Texas State University. The stories unfolding behind every graduate walking across the stage — stories about growth, creativity, and figuring out what comes next. Our students have experience in journalism and storytelling projects, student media, internships, national competitions, and education abroad courses. I al...

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39:33

I Never Thought I’d Be a Mother: Adoption, Motherhood...

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/05/09

In this Mother’s Day episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam talks with her daughters, Danielle and Jessica, about adoption, family, and experiences that shape identity and creativity. Judy reflects on the decision to adopt from China. She shares how motherhood changed her understanding of creativity and personal growth. Dani and Jess share their perspective on parenting, identity, and what it means to grow together across generations. They also talk about foster familie...

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24:20

Justin McKenzie on Innovation in Texas:...

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/04/12

How innovation is transforming Texas—and where the biggest opportunities are emerging. In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, I had the chance to talk with entrepreneur Justin McKenzie, host of The Building Texas Show. We explore innovation across Texas—from small towns to major cities—and discuss workforce development and emerging industries. Justin shares insights from his career journey, along with lessons from interviewing leaders across the state. This episode is perfect fo...

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30:05

Artificial Intelligence and Problem Solving:...

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/04/03

What does it really mean to solve a problem in the age of AI? In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, I sat down with Dr. Aniruddha Bora, assistant professor of computer science at Texas State University, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we think about problem solving. I met Dr. Bora when I moderated a panel at South by Southwest (SXSW) at Texas House as part of the Texas State University Global Innovation Roundup. From his early interest in sc...

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27:28

Experiential Learning in Journalism Education:...

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/03/02

How does experiential learning prepare college students for real-world careers? At Texas State, journalism students don’t just study reporting — they do it. They cover major news events and interview real people. Students report on impactful stories like the aftermath of the school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde and the 2026 deadly Central Texas flooding. In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam talks with Dino Chiecchi, associate ...

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35:02

Why High Achievers Struggle With Health After 40 |...

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/02/25

If you’re a high-achieving professional who feels successful everywhere except your health, this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity might be for you. I can certainly relate! Many driven professionals excel in their careers but struggle with health in midlife because they apply the same optimization mindset that works at work to their bodies. In this episode, Judy Oskam talks with Tony Sherock, Certified Personal Trainer— Health Behavior Specialist and Tiny Habits® Certified Coa...

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41:05

Outlander as Public History: Dr. Alex Dold on Making...

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/01/26

If you’re a fan of Outlander, the historical fiction series set in Scotland, like I am, this episode is for you. In this conversation, I talk with Dr. Alexandra “Alex” Dold, a literary scholar and historian known as the “Doctor of Outlander,” about her academic journey and career path. We discuss how historical fiction can become public history — inviting people to connect with history beyond textbooks and classrooms. During this episode, you’ll learn how Outlander and other historical ...

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34:28

Singer-Songwriter Candace Hastings on Living a Good...

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/01/19

In this music-filled episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam sits down with singer-songwriter and education leader Dr. Candace Hastings to explore what it means to live a creative life of purpose. They talk about identity, community, and meaning. Along the way, you’ll hear excerpts from Candace’s new album, including “Soft Place to Land” and “Horses I Left Behind,” songs shaped by memory, place, and belonging. Dr. Hastings is the Associate Vice Provost for the Center for...

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45:32

What to Say When Someone You Love Is Dying: The Good...

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What"s Next ·

2026/01/06

What do you say when someone you love is dying—and you know your time together is limited? In this practical and compassionate episode, Judy Oskam talks with Dr. Maureen Keeley, a leading researcher on end-of-life communication, from Texas State University. Dr. Maureen Keeley offers a research-based framework for anyone caring for an aging parent, supporting a loved one through illness, or anticipating loss. Listeners will learn what matters most in end-of-life conversations and ...

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